Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Ericaceae

Genus:

Rhododendron

Species:

Rhododendron atlanticum

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Shrub

Height:

3-4 ft

Light Requirements:

Part Shade

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

apr, may

Bloom Colors:

White

Evergreen Shrub:

Yes

Landscaping Shrub:

Yes

Native Range

United States: District of Columbia, Delaware, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:

★★☆☆☆ Based on number of butterfly and moth species using this genus as host plant (Source: National Wildlife Federation)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

sandy, acidic, well-drained soil

pH:

4.5 - 6.0 (acidic)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

native to coastal plains, prefers organic-rich soils

Germination Information